Dhaka: The Council of Advisers today approved the drafts of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) Policy, 2026, and the National Fisheries Policy, 2026. The approvals were given at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Chief Advisers’ Office in Tejgaon, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Council also ratified a proposal concerning the Implementing Agreement between the Qatar Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Armed Forces on the deputation of officers, military personnel, and civilians. Additionally, policy-level approval was granted for the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) recommendations regarding the establishment of a Bangladesh Free Trade Zone.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy, outlining the meeting’s outcomes. Explaining the BNQF Policy, Alam highlighted that the framework is designed to be a dynamic and inclusive qualification pathway. It aims to clearly define qualifications across all education streams-general, technical, and madrasah-at every level, facilitating lifelong learning and enhancing employability.
The BNQF Policy also seeks to ensure national, regional, and international recognition of qualifications, enabling comparability of learning outcomes and establishing clear entry and exit pathways between different education systems. It is intended to guide human capital development and help determine learners’ education and career trajectories.
Regarding the BPSC (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, Alam noted that the amendment addresses budget expenditure obstacles and aims to enhance operational efficiency. A significant change includes that prior government approval is no longer mandatory for spending allocated funds in approved sectors.
The Council of Advisers also approved a new National Fisheries Policy replacing the one from 1998. The revised policy emphasizes food and nutrition security, employment creation, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, export trade expansion, and promoting the blue economy through sustainable fisheries production.
For defense cooperation, the Council ratified an agreement allowing Bangladeshi officers to work with Qatar Armed Forces on deputation, with existing officers already participating and potential for increased numbers as bilateral relations grow.
Finally, key recommendations for establishing a Bangladesh Free Trade Zone were approved. The proposed zone will occupy about 650 acres along the Karnaphuli River, offering global companies the opportunity to produce and export goods, including to Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing.